Reader gets DOT to fix traffic signal — again

The next issue comes to us from the SeeClickFix map that is attached to the blog.

That map enables readers to go in and identify a problem. Readers can then click to agree they too want to see that issue fixed.

A reader wrote about atraffic signalon Lishakill Road and Central Avenue. The reader described the problem as a longstanding issue where the light trips to red. The reader said the problem was most likely that a pedestrian crossing button had become stuck.

“Our traffic signal crew visited the site and discovered that your reader is correct. There was a stuck pedestrian button,” said state Department of Transportation spokeswoman Carol Breen. “The button was fixed and the signal is now functioning correctly.”

“I’ll take this opportunity to point out that our traffic department had this fixed within two hours of being alerted to the issue,” she said.

(She is basing that on when we here at Getting There emailed her about the issue last week. It was posted on the SeeClickFix map January 2 by reader Juli Polak of Schenectady. Polak emailed us directly about it last week, which is when we asked the DOT. The same button got stuck last year and we wrote about it being fixed last June.)

In an attempt to put this column out of business (just kidding), Breen then added that readers who spotted similar problems could call DOT directly.

“If the public has traffic signal issues they need addressed, they can always call our emergency line at 518-388-0346,” she said. “This phone number is answered 24/7/365 by our Traffic Management Center. They will notify our signal crew. If it’s an emergency, the signal crew will be dispatched immediately. If not, they’ll address it as soon as practicable.”

Of course, why do that when you can always go through the middle man? That would be me.

Tim O'Brien

3 Responses

Regarding the above column in today’s paper (3/18/13). I am the original complainant and wanted to set a few things straight. Regarding Ms. Breen’s comment that the issue was corrected ‘within two hours of being alerted to the issue’, that is incorrect. I personally had called the emergency number she listed no less than 3 times for MONTHS before January of this year. One time I called the Town of Colonie, which ironically is the police station. An officer had to redirect my call, I spoke to a person (I do not know the name) who also assured me that this issue ‘would be taken care of ASAP’.
All of this aside, we will see how long it now takes for the pedestrian crossing button to become stuck (again). Not sure if kids are playing around with it, but it happens too frequently.
Thank you for fixing this issue and will keep an eye on it. ~juli

Also to note: Called the emergency number a few times before January about the same issue at VanHeusen St./Central Avenue. (stuck pedestrian button? do not know) Was told each time I called ‘the issue would be directly attended to’ or ‘will get a crew out there ASAP’.
Light is still not working properly at VanHeusen (check it at 4-5am, trips to red on Central with no cars/pedestrians in cross street). Thank you–again. ~juli

“…they can always call our emergency line at…”. Thanks, but no thanks. I was always taught to call an emergency number ONLY if life or property was in imminent danger. I’ll call a non-emergency police number (3-1-1) if it is available in this area, otherwise, I’ll write to Mr. O’brien.